RoadVitals

2002 Buick Park Avenue Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest May 29, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Buick Park Avenue, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine1027.0%
  • Electrical718.9%
  • Interior & seats38.1%
  • Fuel system25.4%
  • Visibility25.4%
  • Brakes25.4%
  • Driver assistance25.4%
  • Tires & wheels25.4%
  • Airbags25.4%
  • Powertrain (other)12.7%
  • Seat belts12.7%
  • Steering12.7%
  • Body & structure12.7%
  • Exterior lighting12.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11404896 · filed Mar 25, 2021

MY CAR STARTED SMOKING BY THE MANIFOLD GASKETS UPON ME STARTING IT..I LEFT IT PARKED IN DRIVEWAY APPOX 2 -3 WEEKS , WHILE I DROVE MY 2ND VEHICLE...THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAD THIS PROBLEM WHENEVER MY VEHICLE SITS 2- 4 WEEKS ...THIS DO NOT MAKE SENSE TO MY CUS IT HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE I PARKED IT..ITS OBVIOUS I CAN'T DRIVE 2 VEHICLES AT THE SAME TIME HOWEVER EVERYTIME IT ITS FOR 2-4 WEEKS I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD GASKET EITHER..THIIS HAVE HAPPEN TO ME AND A FEW OF MY NEIGHBORS AS WELL..

NHTSA ID 11044137 · filed Nov 7, 2017
All 10 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.

NHTSA ID 11591425 · filed May 29, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11404896 · filed Mar 25, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE WITHIN HIS VEHICLE. HE STATED THAT THE GEARS THAT HOLD THE LOCK IN PLACE ARE NO LONGER OPERATING. THE LOCKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT DUE TO THE PLASTIC PIECE OF THE MECHANISM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 39,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOCKS WERE REPAIRED PROPERLY HOWEVER, THE LOCKS CONTINUE TO BREAK. UPDATED 08/07/07 *TR

NHTSA ID 10196500 · filed Jul 16, 2007

2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE PURCHASED 07/23/02, LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT HAS EXCESS MOVEMENT ( FEELS LIKE ONE HALF TO ONE INCH MOVEMENT) EACH TIME I START AND STOP. THIS IS NOTICED, ESPECIALLY, WHEN STOPPING AND STARTING AT TRAFFIF LIGHTS. I FEEL VERY INSECURE, AS IF THE SEAT MAY COME LOOSE AND THROW ME INTO THE WINDSHIELD OR BACKWARD EACH TIME I START OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THIS CONCERN 10/02/02,10/23/02 AND 06/25/03.I ALSO CONTACTED BUICK CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER ABOUT 01/10/03. THE CONCLUSION SEEMS TO BE THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. EXCESS DRIVER"S SEAT MOVEMENT DOES NOT SEEM NORMAL TO ME NOR DOES IT SEEM TO BE SAFE!!

NHTSA ID 10038903 · filed Sep 15, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505838 · filed Apr 10, 2013

A LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ON 2002 BUICK PARK AVE COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE OR EXPLOSION WHICH MAY RESULT IN A FATAL ACCIDENT OR INJURY. FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE VACUUM PORT OF THE PRESSURE REGULATOR. GM NO LONGER USES THE PART NUMBER 17113660 WHICH WAS LEAKING ON MY VEHICLE. THEY HAVE REPLACED IT WITH PART NUMBER 12583236. I PLAN TO REPLACE THE LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH A NEW ONE AND WILL KEEP THE OLD ONE FOR INSPECTION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10130495 · filed Jul 28, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE WERE THREE SYSTEMS THAT HAD PROBLEMS, BUT ONE OF THE SYSTEMS, THE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM, SEEMS TO HAVE CURED ITSELF. THE OTHER TWO PROBLEMS, THAT OF THE A/C AND THE SEAT MEMORY SYSTEMS, BEGAN TO SHOW UP AS SOON AS WE STARTED DRIVING THE CAR AFTER PURCHASE. THE FIRST TIME THAT I REGISTERED THOSE PROBLEMS WITH THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN 2886 MILES. WE PURCHASED THE CAR ON JULY 24, 2002. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE TAKING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEPT. 11, 2002. AIR CONDITIONING: AFTER CAR SITS IN HOT SUN FOR 2 HRS OR MORE, A/C REFUSES TO COME ON. AUTO LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. BLOWER DOES NOT COME ON AND FLOOR IS SHOWN ON DISPLAY SCREEN. COMPRESSOR DOES RUN. ATTEMPTS TO MAKE RUN WILL SOMETIMES GET SYSTEM OPERATIVE. SEAT MEMORY: AFTER DOORS UNLOCKED WITH KEY PAD, DRIVER SELECTS HIS OR HER SEAT MEMORY BUTTON. SEAT MOVES FORWARD. WHEN IGNITION SWITCH IS SELECTED TO ON AND BEFORE ENGINE IS STARTED, SEAT WILL MOVE TO EXIT POSITION. THIS CONDITION INTERMITTENT--PROBABLY ONE TIME IN 50 TRIES. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE EITHER PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO REPLACE ANY COMPONENTS. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND WE ARE IN ARBITRATION AT THIS MOMENT. WE MAY PRESS FOR A GM RE-PURCHASE OF THE CAR. WE HAVE GIVEN DEALER ONE MORE CHANCE TO FIND AND FIX THE PROBLEMS. WE LIKE THE CAR VERY MUCH AND WANT TO KEEP IT IF GM WILL FIX THE PROBLEMS. THEIR STONE WALL APPROACH IS NOT ACCEPTIBLE.

NHTSA ID 10069598 · filed Jan 15, 2004

THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR BLOCKED THE VISION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CONSUMER FELLS IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CONSUMER E-MAILED GM WITH THE CONCERN AND THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID NOTHING COULD BE DONE. *JB *CB *NLM

NHTSA ID 10020207 · filed Jul 3, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD HER SHE NEEDS NEW BRAKES. LAST YEAR ON 4-20-04 SHE BROUGHT IT IN TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND COMPLAINED ABOUT A PULSATION IN THE BRAKES. THEY TOLD HER THAT BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE GONE AND THEY REPLACED THEM AT NO CHARGE. ON 5-4-05. SHE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER BRAKES. THE SERVICE MANAGER,TOLD HER THAT THE BRAKES WERE GONE AGAIN. THEY TOLD HER THAT IT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. *NM..ON APRIL 20, 2004 CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND TO CHECK FOR PULSATION. SHORTLY AFTER CHECKING VEHICLE MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT BRAKES ROTORS/PADS MALFUNCTIONED, AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL, AND CONSUMER ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEM SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW. *AK *SB

NHTSA ID 10119904 · filed Jun 8, 2005

ABS LIGHTS COMES ON AND STAY ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF ABS AND SERVICE BRAKES.*AK

NHTSA ID 10024728 · filed Jun 23, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.

NHTSA ID 11591425 · filed May 29, 2024

ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR HIT A BUILDING. CAR WAS TOTALED. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10014324 · filed Apr 13, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TREAD SEPARATION ON GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES. ON 5-17-05 DURING SCHEDULED TIRE ROTATION , DISCOVERED 2 OF 4 EAGLE LS 225-65R-16 TIRES HAD TREAD SEPARATION @ 51,660 MILES.MADISON GOODYEAR DEALER, IN LIEU OF REQUESTED ADJUSTMENT OFFERED SALE TIRES @ $119.00 EACH. INSTEAD I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FROM A COMPETITOR.

NHTSA ID 10121880 · filed May 23, 2005

WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO TWO VEHICLES, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC

NHTSA ID 567269 · filed Sep 2, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID 10764694 · filed Sep 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SWERVED AND CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POST. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE EYEBROW, LIP AND SEVERAL BROKEN TEETH DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE AIR BAG WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,127.

NHTSA ID 10661979 · filed Dec 3, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUMED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000. DR

NHTSA ID 10593446 · filed May 22, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT BELTS DO NOT CLICK FOR SECURITY REASONS, CLICKING COMES INTERMITTENTLY. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE IS NO AUDIBLE CLICK WHEN DRIVER AND PASSENGEER BELTS ARE LOCKED.*SLC

NHTSA ID 8001089 · filed Dec 26, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID 10764694 · filed Sep 17, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.

NHTSA ID 11591425 · filed May 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM THE VEHICLES DASHBOARD AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT AN AMBIENT LIGHT SENSOR FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *PH *TT *NLM

NHTSA ID 8023453 · filed Nov 29, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .